new apps Archives

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Google requiring Android apps support 16 KB memory page size to improve performance

Android is transitioning to a 16 KB page size, which will become mandatory for applications in the Google Play Store by November 1, 2025. This change replaces the previous 4 KB page size and aims to enhance performance by improving memory management and reducing overhead. The introduction of Android 15 has been refactored to support this larger page size, with testing currently available on Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 devices. Expected performance improvements include faster app launches (3% to 30% faster), improved battery usage (average gain of 4.5%), quicker camera starts (4.5% to 6.6% faster), and speedier system boot-ups (approximately 8% faster). Apps without native code should remain compatible, while those using libraries or SDKs with native code may need updates. Apps containing native code might require recompilation and review for compatibility. Developers can check memory page size support through the Play Console.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

6 changes I make immediately to make the Windows 11 experience less irritating

Upon initiating a fresh installation of Windows 11, essential adjustments can enhance the user experience and productivity. Winhance is a utility that helps implement these changes. Key modifications include: - Notifications: Users can reduce the number of notifications by navigating to Settings -> System -> Notifications and toggling off notifications from specific apps. Scheduling notifications and using the Focus feature can also help minimize distractions. - Disable Microsoft ads: To eliminate subtle promotional content, users should uncheck options in Notifications settings and disable recommendations in Settings -> Personalization -> Start. - Move the Start button: Users can reposition the Start menu to the left corner by adjusting the “Taskbar alignment” in Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar -> Taskbar behaviors. - Adjust visual effects: To improve system responsiveness, users can disable animations and transparency effects by accessing sysdm.cpl and Settings -> Accessibility -> Visual effects. - Change the default browser: After installing a preferred browser, users can set it as the default in Settings -> Apps -> Default app, ensuring it is set for various file types. - Disable News widget: Users can turn off the news widget by going to Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar and toggling off the Widgets option. These adjustments can be completed in about 20 minutes and help create a more productive environment in Windows 11.

Winsage

May 3, 2025

Best Windows apps this week

This week, the optional update for Windows 11 introduces the Recall AI feature for Copilot+ PCs, set to roll out to all Copilot+ devices next month alongside a cumulative security update. New apps include: - Crapfixer: An open-source Windows tweaker that simplifies system settings analysis and application of recommended tweaks. - PhotoDemon: A free, open-source photo editor with over 200 tools, supporting various image formats and offering features like macro recording and batch processing. - Winhance 4: A system optimization software for Windows 10 and 11 that enhances performance by removing unwanted apps and providing customization options, with the ability to save configurations for multiple PCs.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Google Play shrinks by 47 percent following policy overhaul

The Google Play Store has seen a 47 percent decline in app offerings, dropping from 3.4 million to 1.8 million apps since early 2024. This reduction is a result of Google's efforts to enhance app quality and security, including a policy overhaul that introduced stricter minimum requirements and targeted low-quality applications. In 2024, Google blocked 2.36 million policy-violating apps and banned over 158,000 developer accounts. Despite the decline in app numbers, developer activity remains strong, with over 10,400 new apps released in early 2025, a 7.1 percent increase from the previous year. The European Union's "trader status" rule did not significantly impact the decline in app numbers, as Apple's app count remained stable under similar regulations.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

Your Android Can Download Fewer Apps Than in 2023, Here’s Why That’s Good

The Google Play Store has seen a decline in available apps, dropping from 3.4 million at the beginning of 2024 to approximately 1.8 million by April, a 47% reduction compared to the end of 2023. In contrast, Apple’s App Store increased its app count from 1.6 million to 1.64 million during the same period. Google has implemented stricter quality control measures, which contributed to the reduction in app numbers, alongside enhanced human review processes and new verification requirements for developers. Despite the overall decrease, there was a 7.1% increase in the release of new apps in April 2025 compared to April 2024.

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

Android 16 Beta 4 Arrives with AOD Theming, App Drawer Shortcut, and More

Google's Android 16 Beta 4 is being rolled out to Pixel 6 and newer devices, introducing enhancements aimed at improving user experience and security. Key updates include an enhanced Always on Display (AOD) feature with dynamic theming, the Themed icons toggle moving out of beta, a new Apps list shortcut in the Pixel launcher, and new options in the recent menu for Screenshot and Select. The Gesture Navigation page has been updated with a tutorial demo, and the Quick Settings Media Player artwork has been darkened. Some users have reported the removal of the Battery Health feature from the Battery Settings page, although it is still available on certain devices.

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Microsoft is finally giving the Start menu the overhaul we’ve all been waiting for

The Start menu in the latest preview builds of Windows 11 is being redesigned to enhance user experience by addressing customization and functionality issues. The updates in builds 26200.5518 and 26120.3671 introduce a wider layout with a single scrollable view, removing the need for clicks to access the All apps section. Applications will be displayed directly beneath pinned items and recommendations, reducing clutter. Users can disable the Recommended section for a minimalist interface and adjust settings to hide recently added apps, most used apps, and various recommendations. Additionally, users can automatically display all pinned apps without expanding the view. This feature is currently hidden and requires enabling specific feature IDs to access it.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

Best Windows apps this week

This week, a cumulative update for Windows has led to the uninstallation of the Copilot application for some users, and Microsoft is working to resolve the issue, advising affected users to reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store. New applications include FullUpdatesHistoryView, a Nirsoft tool that provides detailed information about installed Windows updates; GIMP 3.0, an updated open-source image editor with a new user interface and enhanced features; and the Perplexity AI application, which offers advanced search capabilities and supports text and voice input.

AppWizard

March 18, 2025

Hundreds of malicious Android apps with 60 million downloads found spamming Android users with ads and stealing credentials

Bitdefender has identified at least 331 malicious applications on the Google Play Store, which have been downloaded over 60 million times. These apps, including QR code scanners and simple games, can display intrusive advertisements and compromise user data. A list of some remaining malicious apps includes ShapeUp, Beautiful Day, Destiny Book, Dropo, Handset Locator, Body Scale, Cache Sweep TEL: Clean, Five in a Row, Massm BMI, and Water Note. Many of these apps can bypass Android security measures, initiate without user interaction, and may launch phishing attacks. Users are advised to avoid these apps, manually remove any malicious apps they may have installed, and enable Google Play Protect for added security.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

Other Browsers Need to Steal Opera’s Multitasking Sidebar

The Opera sidebar is a feature designed to streamline communication by serving as a hub for essential social media platforms and messaging services, allowing users to maintain focus while managing multiple applications. It has a minimalist design that can be expanded into popover tabs for easier access to messaging services without navigating away from primary tasks. Users can customize the sidebar by selecting from a variety of services, including AI tools, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Slack, and social media platforms such as Instagram and Bluesky. The sidebar helps prevent confusion from having too many tabs open, allowing for quick message replies and the option to pin apps for a split-screen view. Unlike other browsers, Opera allows browser extensions to operate within the sidebar, enhancing usability.